Tuesday, January 10, 2017

Havana, Cuba: 9 Tips for Your First Trip - November 2016

The lure of fresh mojitos and Cuban cigars have piqued your
interest, and now you want to travel to Havana. Before you book your trip, here are nine tips that will ensure you get the most out of your first
Cuban adventure.

1. Do not check luggage. This tip is first for a reason. Do
not check a bag, because you may not get it back. Just ask my friend. Cuba is
still a communist country, and the government can do whatever it wants with
your luggage, including everything in it. If you must check a bag, use an
airport service such as Secure Wrap that wraps your luggage in plastic film.

2. Hire a guide. Our guide, Ruben, put together a sample
itinerary before we left for Cuba, and his services were inexpensive. Plus, he
was an outgoing guy who spoke English very well and knew every inch of the
city. His choice of authentic restaurants, lodging, what classic cars to hire,
local attractions and history of Cuba made our first trip to Havana, well,
perfect. He was also a great translator (and negotiator) for us.

3. Stay in a casa. A casa, or someone’s home with rooms
converted into hotel rooms, is the best way to experience Cuba, especially in
Old Havana. Most casa rooms have private bathrooms and excellent
accommodations. Our casa (Hostal Acosta Gonzalez )served fresh fruit, juice and
coffee every morning for breakfast. Traditional hotels can be expensive and
away from the city’s character and attractions, so ask your guide to stay at a
casa.

4. Bring cash. U.S. credit and ATM cards will not work. You
have to exchange your currency into either Cuban Convertible Pesos (CUC) or
Cuban Pesos (CUP), and you can only do that in Cuba. Most items for purchase
are listed in CUCs, and they are 1:1 in value to U.S. dollars. Exchange places
do charge a hefty commission, however; around 10 percent. The good news is your
money will go a long way in Cuba. You can also wear a money belt to stash your
cash, and most casas and hotel rooms have a safe. And is Havana a safe city?
Absolutely.

5. Buy a WiFi card. If you want to surf the internet while
in Havana, buy a WiFi (pronounced Wee-Fee) card. The cards are usually around
$2-$3 for an hour and can be purchased near local WiFi spots. If you do use a
WiFi card, remember to log out after you’re finished or your paid time will
expire. My recommendation is to simply unplug and enjoy your vacation, and you
can register with the U.S. Embassy in case of emergencies.

6. Have a stash of coins for the bathroom. Some public bathrooms have
attendants outside who require a price for admission, especially for women. I’m
not kidding, and forget about trying to negotiate. If you want to use the
bathroom, and would like some paper, drop a CUP coin or two in the basket.

7. Buy a Cuban cigar. Tour a cigar factory and watch how
this famous export is rolled. Just don’t purchase them in the factory’s gift
shop. There are plenty of locals who will sell you a box (around $50, rather
than $250), and be sure to ask your guide about the Cuban marriage: a Cuban
cigar, Cuban coffee and aged Cuban rum, tasted together in one sitting.

8. Pay attention. Havana has more than two million
residents, and if you don’t pay attention while walking around, they may run
over you. The city is constantly abuzz with classic cars, taxis, bicycles and
walkers. Then factor in the numerous bumps and holes in the streets and you’re
likely to turn an ankle if you’re not careful. But hey, since you’re not
looking down at your cell phone all day, you should be okay.

9. Pay it forward. Residents of Havana, according to our
guide, earn about $20-$30 a month. So pay it forward and bring items such as
clothes, shoes, and shampoo and conditioner samples to donate (collect them
from U.S. hotels). I packed for Cuba with the intention of leaving behind most
of what I brought. The owners of our casa were very appreciative of the
gesture, and it was the least we could do for their hospitality.